Yesterday, Ichiro Suzuki surpassed the single season hits record set by George Sisler in 1920. Suzuki entered Seattle's October 1st game against Texas with 256 hits this season and subsequently added three more to his total, exceeding Sisler's total of 257. Many observers have questioned the record based on the fact that Sisler achieved his accomplishment in 154 games while Suzuki required 158. I find the four game difference rather insignificant, but the large gap in plate appearances and at-bats leaves me less impressed with the new record. In 1920, Sisler finished the season with 631 AB and 692 PA. Suzuki required 691 AB and 744 PA to tie him. Ichiro may actually break the single season at-bats record this year. By comparison, Roger Maris surpassed Babe Ruth's single season home run record in a number of plate appearances similar to Ruth while both Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds achieved their records with fewer trips to the plate.

Obviously I consider Suzuki's achievement noteworthy and he's certainly having a good season. However, I cannot bring myself to favorably compare his season to that of Sisler in 1920. Ignoring the at-bat difference, Sisler's hits include 25 more doubles, 13 more triples, and 11 more homers. He finished the season with a .407 BA, .449 OBP, and 632 SLG. As of yesterday, Ichiro was hitting .373 with a .415 OBP and .456 SLG. Suzuki has been widely criticized for settling for singles in an effort to break the record rather than making any attempt at extra base hits that might help his team more. Overall, I think his pursuit of the record was somewhat interesting and gave Mariners' fans something to look forward despite Seattle's poor record, but I do not feel we have witnessed a new level of excellence.